saint_n mystical_o and_o immediate_o under_o christ_n their_o head_n so_o this_o political_a body_n show_v itself_o and_o become_v visible_a in_o some_o particular_a part_n there-on_o which_o be_v call_v visible_a church_n and_o be_v under_o a_o mediate_a rule_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o catholic_n church_n comprehend_v particular_a church_n as_o some_o distinct_a part_n and_o parcel_n thereof_o phil._n then_o i_o suppose_v your_o apprehension_n be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o be_v the_o next_o and_o immediate_a subject_n of_o all_o officer_n and_o ordinance_n christ_n mistake_v i_o not_o i_o have_v not_o say_v so_o as_o yet_o i_o say_v the_o catholic_n church_n become_v in_o part_n visible_a in_o particular_a congregationâ—s_n and_o they_o be_v the_o immediate_a subject_n of_o visible_a ordinance_n and_o officer_n which_o be_v institute_v and_o place_v therein_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n phil._n but_o be_v not_o the_o universality_n of_o saint_n militant_a the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n christ_n the_o universality_n of_o saint_n on_o earth_n do_v not_o constitute_v a_o church_n in_o a_o visible_a stand_n for_o many_o be_v believer_n that_o as_o yet_o make_v not_o themselves_o visible_a by_o profession_n 2._o they_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v bind_v together_o in_o visible_a union_n and_o communion_n that_o which_o make_v a_o catholic_n church_n be_v a_o catholic_n bond_n of_o union_n and_o catholic_n communion_n which_o be_v only_o mystical_a and_o invisible_a but_o there_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v a_o catholic_n visible_a bond_n for_o as_o they_o can_v appear_v in_o one_o visible_a congregation_n so_o they_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o walk_v together_o in_o fellowship_n nor_o can_v have_v visible_a communion_n as_o one_o church_n in_o the_o same_o individual_a administration_n if_o they_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n preach_v the_o same_o word_n pray_v alike_o etc._n etc._n yet_o this_o make_v not_o one_o particular_a church_n 3._o if_o there_o be_v a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n than_o it_o must_v have_v catholic_n visible_a officer_n every_o officer_n must_v relate_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n every_o ordinary_a officer_n must_v be_v officer_n to_o the_o whole_a catholic_n visible_a church_n and_o there_o have_v need_n be_v a_o visible_a pastor_n pastorum_fw-la over_o they_o all_o 4._o all_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o therefore_o member_n of_o any_o visible_a church_n with_o ordinance_n for_o they_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n before_o they_o can_v be_v make_v member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n with_o ordinance_n 5._o a_o visible_a church_n be_v organise_v with_o officer_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o not_o to_o a_o part_n of_o it_o a_o pastor_n elder_n deacon_n be_v officer_n to_o the_o whole_a and_o who_o will_v say_v a_o deacon_n have_v as_o much_o power_n in_o all_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n as_o in_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o be_v constitute_v he_o may_v as_o well_o say_v so_o as_o say_v a_o pastor_n have_v 6._o if_o christ_n institute_v a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n it_o be_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o under_o the_o new_a but_o he_o do_v neither_o for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o particular_a congregation_n under_o the_o old_a and_o christ_n leave_v but_o one_o when_o he_o ascend_v chap._n ii_o of_o a_o particular_a church_n phil._n i_o pray_v sir_n come_v now_o to_o the_o main_a thing_n i_o aim_v at_o viz._n to_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o gospel_n particular_a church_n christ_n you_o mean_v such_o a_o congregation_n as_o be_v the_o immediate_a subject_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n institution_n where_o every_o believer_n be_v bind_v to_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o gospel_n faith_n and_o order_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o own_o edification_n phil._n such_o a_o church_n i_o mean_v may_v not_o a_o national_a church_n be_v it_o christ_n by_o no_o mean_n it_o be_v no_o church_n but_o such_o who_o member_n may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n for_o so_o the_o first_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n do_v the_o great_a for_o aught_o i_o know_v that_o ever_o be_v since_o and_o all_o other_o that_o we_o read_v of_o in_o scripture_n since_o if_o any_o comprise_v all_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o nation_n province_n or_o territory_n they_o all_o assemble_v for_o frequent_a communion_n in_o one_o place_n under_o the_o same_o officer_n we_o read_v of_o no_o particular_a church_n in_o scripture_n but_o what_o be_v congregational_a for_o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v the_o only_a one_o of_o that_o kind_n which_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n of_o god_n institution_n be_v congregational_a for_o all_o the_o male_n come_v to_o the_o temple_n and_o before_o to_o the_o tabernacle_n three_o time_n a_o year_n to_o appear_v before_o god_n to_o worship_n in_o act_n of_o communion_n therefore_o it_o be_v call_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n phil._n i_o be_o pretty_a well_o satisfy_v now_o from_o the_o weighty_a argument_n i_o former_o hear_v from_o you_o though_o my_o thought_n through_o prejudice_n pass_v light_o over_o they_o then_o that_o all_o national_a diocesan_n and_o parochial_a constitution_n of_o church_n be_v mere_o from_o man_n if_o not_o from_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n which_o latter_a i_o see_v cause_n enough_o to_o suspect_v but_o i_o pray_v give_v i_o a_o plain_a description_n of_o a_o particular_a gospel_n church_n christ_n with_o all_o my_o heart_n sir_n a_o particular_a gospel_n church_n be_v a_o separate_a company_n of_o visible_a believer_n with_o their_o seed_n or_o saint_n associate_v together_o in_o special_a bond_n of_o union_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o one_o another_o in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n appointment_n for_o their_o edification_n phil._n you_o say_v the_o allow_a matter_n of_o this_o church_n be_v visible_a believer_n what_o understand_v you_o by_o a_o visible_a believer_n christ_n i_o mean_v one_o that_o make_v a_o credible_a profession_n such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o be_o bind_v by_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n to_o believe_v he_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o i_o do_v not_o say_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o therefore_o he_o be_v no_o hypocrite_n for_o so_o he_o may_v be_v and_o i_o not_o know_v it_o 2._o neither_o do_v i_o say_v that_o his_o mere_a profess_v make_v he_o a_o church_n member_n for_o they_o in_o act._n 2._o believe_v before_o they_o be_v church_n member_n and_o profess_a their_o faith_n which_o give_v they_o right_o of_o claim_n yea_o there_o be_v many_o have_v right_a of_o claim_n and_o do_v profess_v but_o do_v not_o seek_v to_o join_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o it_o can_v be_v without_o a_o voluntary_a offer_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n phil._n what_o be_v require_v to_o a_o credible_a profession_n for_o the_o due_a satisfaction_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n christ_n the_o tree_n can_v be_v know_v to_o i_o but_o by_o the_o fruit_n see_v mat._n 7.17_o 18_o 19_o chap._n 12.33_o luk._n 6.44_o the_o credible_a fruit_n be_v therefore_o holiness_n of_o life_n and_o profession_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v require_v there_o be_v visible_a holiness_n of_o life_n phil._n 1.27_o let_v your_o conversation_n be_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n i._n e._n both_o the_o doctrine_n and_o order_n of_o it_o and_o this_o lie_v in_o negative_a and_o positive_a holiness_n appear_v in_o the_o conversation_n 1._o negative_a that_o it_o be_v without_o blame_n eph._n 1.4_o phil._n 2.15_o 1_o th._n 5.23_o 2._o a_o mere_a negative_a religion_n in_o respect_n of_o grosser_n and_o more_o observable_a sin_n be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o many_o a_o carnal_a man_n may_v attain_v unto_o there_o must_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o positive_a duty_n require_v and_o not_o mere_o moral_a in_o justice_n and_o mercy_n but_o such_o by_o which_o a_o christian_a be_v more_o peculiar_o distinguish_v from_o moral_a heathen_n such_o as_o family_n duty_n of_o read_v the_o word_n and_o daily_a prayer_n those_o of_o a_o more_o public_a nature_n as_o constant_a attendance_n on_o the_o word_n preach_v sanctify_v the_o lord_n day_n free_a distribution_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o a_o manifest_a readiness_n on_o all_o occasion_n to_o follow_v christ_n as_o his_o disciple_n in_o all_o thing_n tit._n 3.8_o ch_n 2.11_o 12._o yea_o in_o suffering_n phil._n but_o what_o more_o profession_n be_v needful_a beside_o this_o visible_a practical_a walk_v be_v not_o this_o enough_o
coetus_fw-la or_o congregatio_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d condixit_fw-la so_o that_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o solemn_a assembly_n gather_v together_o at_o god_n appoint_a time_n or_o for_o the_o assembly_n at_o the_o appoint_a place_n viz._n the_o tabernacle_n and_o therefore_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n which_o congregation_n be_v the_o church_n of_o old_a act._n 7.38_o ecclesia_fw-la in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v take_v for_o any_o assembly_n though_o rude_a and_o riotous_a act._n 19.32_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o use_v v._o 37._o where_o our_o interpreter_n use_v our_o english_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ought_v to_o be_v render_v robber_n of_o temple_n heathenish_a and_o jewish_a but_o it_o be_v most_o use_v for_o and_o appropriate_v to_o a_o sacred_a assembly_n as_o mat_n 18.17_o act._n 2.47_o ch._n 8.1_o ch._n 11.26_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o etc._n etc._n phil._n what_o do_v you_o say_v then_o be_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o most_o comprehensive_a sense_n christ_n a_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o congregation_n of_o saint_n associate_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n eph._n 3.21_o in_o the_o church_n in_o christ_n jesus_n phil._n why_o do_v you_o say_v associate_v christ_n because_o a_o church_n be_v not_o a_o transient_a and_o occasional_a congregation_n but_o fix_v and_o a_o join_a society_n by_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o one_o another_o 1_o john_n 1.3_o and_o because_o the_o saint_n be_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o be_v the_o head_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v gather_v together_o always_o in_o christ_n jesus_n real_o or_o profess_o they_o be_v gather_v unto_o he_o by_o way_n of_o insertion_n mystical_o or_o political_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n or_o authority_n phil._n then_o a_o church_n come_v under_o various_a consideration_n christ_n yes_o sir_n it_o do_v but_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v proper_o but_o one_o as_o he_o be_v the_o one_o head_n and_o only_o so_o the_o body_n be_v but_o one_o 1_o cor._n 12.12_o for_o as_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n so_o also_o be_v christ_n i._n e._n mystical_a phil._n i_o pray_v be_v as_o distinct_a as_o you_o can_v upon_o the_o several_a consideration_n of_o this_o one_o church_n of_o christ_n christ_n i_o will_v you_o know_v the_o most_o comprehensive_a consideration_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v under_o the_o name_n of_o catholic_n and_o there_o be_v two_o article_n in_o the_o creed_n call_v the_o apostle_n that_o express_v our_o faith_n therein_o 1._o i_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n 2._o i_o believe_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o two_o word_n holy_a and_o saint_n denote_v the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o this_o church_n that_o it_o be_v saint_n in_o christ_n jesus_n it_o be_v a_o holy_a church_n make_v up_o of_o saint_n and_o than_o that_o it_o be_v comprehensive_a of_o all_o saint_n and_o last_o that_o the_o formal_a nature_n of_o this_o church_n consist_v in_o a_o certain_a union_n and_o communion_n for_o the_o latter_a always_o imply_v the_o former_a phil._n but_o be_v there_o not_o particular_a church_n do_v you_o not_o call_v every_o single_a congregation_n a_o church_n christ._n yes_o we_o do_v so_o but_o that_o you_o may_v have_v the_o right_n and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o it_o we_o must_v due_o weigh_v the_o catholic_n church_n as_o to_o its_o relation_n to_o christ_n its_o head_n the_o catholic_n church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o to_o its_o mystical_a and_o political_a stand_n in_o christ_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o mystical_a stand_v these_o thing_n belong_v unto_o it_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o general_a assembly_n or_o collection_n of_o real_a saint_n heb._n 12.23_o you_o be_v come_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o catholic_n assembly_n and_o church_n or_o congregation_n of_o first_o bear_v who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o heavenly_a church_n to_o which_o he_o say_v believer_n in_o the_o gospel_n day_n be_v come_v to_o which_o church_n jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v the_o head_n of_o influence_n and_o to_o which_o all_o saint_n as_o such_o be_v spiritual_o knit_v and_o with_o who_o they_o have_v communion_n and_o in_o he_o one_o with_o another_o 2._o the_o church_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v it_o which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v and_o be_v effectual_o partaker_n of_o all_o his_o benefit_n eph._n 5.25_o 26_o 27._o to_o it_o belong_v election_n redemption_n effectual_a vocation_n justification_n adoption_n sanctification_n and_o glorification_n john_n 17.9_o 10_o 11._o rom._n 8.29_o 30._o 3._o here_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v catholic_n in_o relation_n to_o individual_a saint_n only_o it_o be_v not_o catholic_n as_o a_o genus_fw-la comprehend_v many_o species_n of_o church_n but_o as_o a_o totum_fw-la integrale_fw-la comprise_v many_o part_n and_o all_o have_v a_o coordinate_a stand_n in_o subordination_n only_o to_o christ_n their_o head_n yea_o they_o all_o conduce_v to_o the_o make_v up_o of_o christ_n mystical_a one_o body_n be_v member_n in_o particular_a 4._o this_o mystical_a body_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v according_a to_o its_o manner_n of_o exist_v secundum_fw-la modum_fw-la existendi_fw-la and_o that_o two_o way_n 1._o in_o its_o militant_a state_n or_o stand_v or_o in_o its_o triumphant_a in_o viâ_fw-la or_o in_fw-la patriâ_fw-la in_o its_o militant_a state_n it_o comprehend_v all_o the_o true_a believer_n in_o the_o world_n exist_v at_o the_o same_o time_n whether_o they_o be_v visible_a by_o profess_v or_o not_o the_o compliment_n whereof_o be_v all_o the_o saint_n actual_o glorify_v or_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a and_o this_o distinction_n be_v only_o of_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o different_a state_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o way_n of_o communion_n in_o grace_n and_o glory_n the_o difference_n be_v only_o gradual_a and_o no_o more_o the_o union_n be_v the_o same_o 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o invisible_a and_o visible_a stand_n the_o church_n invisible_a stand_n be_v whole_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o inward_a spiritual_a relation_n which_o the_o saint_n have_v to_o christ_n and_o one_o another_o it_o be_v visible_a stand_n be_v in_o profess_v saint_n that_o be_v real_a member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n phil._n i_o pray_v sir_n give_v a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o relation_n to_o christ_n as_o a_o political_a head_n christ_n thus_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o king_n and_o lawgiver_n to_o his_o church_n and_o people_n and_o he_o govern_v his_o church_n either_o immediate_o by_o his_o roll_a spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o member_n of_o his_o body_n whereby_o they_o be_v influence_v eph._n 4.4_o there_o be_v one_o spirit_n one_o body_n one_o lord_n etc._n etc._n or_o he_o govern_v mediate_o as_o a_o politic_a head_n and_o that_o be_v only_o so_o far_o as_o the_o church_n be_v visible_a and_o profess_v and_o as_o such_o he_o have_v give_v immunity_n law_n officer_n ordinance_n for_o establishment_n of_o visible_a polity_n society_n or_o spiritual_a corporation_n and_o here_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v diligent_o these_o thing_n 1._o that_o under_o this_o consideration_n the_o catholic_n church_n be_v most_o large_a and_o extensive_a for_o it_o comprehend_v all_o credible_a professor_n though_o not_o real_a and_o all_o actual_a church-member_n though_o secret_a hypocrite_n ephes_n 3.15_o of_o he_o the_o whole_a family_n be_v name_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n i.e._n real_a and_o profess_v 2._o that_o the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o visible_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o christ_n mediate_a political_a rule_n and_o government_n and_o that_o be_v only_o in_o particular_a congregation_n to_o they_o he_o have_v give_v his_o word_n ordinance_n and_o officer_n and_o to_o no_o other_o for_o he_o suit_v they_o to_o particular_a society_n neither_o have_v he_o substitute_v any_o officer_n or_o ordinance_n to_o the_o mere_a mystical_a stand_v of_o the_o church_n 3._o all_o the_o institute_v external_n worship_n though_o it_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n in_o its_o visible_a stand_n which_o it_o have_v in_o particular_a church_n yet_o it_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n for_o the_o edify_a and_o build_v it_o up_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n eph._n 4.12_o 13_o and_o for_o the_o multiply_a it_o by_o call_v in_o the_o elect._n 4._o in_o this_o sense_n and_o acceptation_n as_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v a_o political_a body_n of_o all_o
of_o itself_o christ_n it_o be_v as_o the_o church_n shall_v judge_v of_o it_o for_o they_o may_v be_v so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o the_o visible_a holiness_n of_o some_o that_o there_o may_v not_o be_v the_o least_o doubt_n that_o the_o person_n offer_v himself_o be_v fit_a matter_n for_o the_o spiritual_a building_n but_o the_o church_n will_v it_o may_v be_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o desire_v to_o hear_v the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o such_o a_o one_o rather_o than_o for_o satisfaction_n concern_v his_o spiritual_a state_n which_o they_o doubt_v not_o of_o phil._n but_o i_o pray_v sir_n what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o verbal_a profession_n which_o you_o expect_v christ_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n beside_o what_o have_v be_v say_v requisite_a in_o a_o adult_n church_n member_n 1._o that_o he_o have_v a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n prov._n 19.2_o he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n can_v believe_v rom._n 10.14_o ch_n 3.11_o pro._n 9.10_o hos_fw-la 4.6_o 2_o pet._n 1.3_o 1_o tim._n 2.4_o therefore_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o such_o as_o be_v admit_v church_n member_n do_v show_v that_o they_o have_v a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o his_o essence_n and_o subsistence_n the_o person_n nature_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n the_o state_n of_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o fall_n the_o nature_n of_o christ_n mediatory_a office_n in_o his_o humiliation_n and_o exaltation_n and_o the_o great_a effect_n thereof_o in_o justification_n sanctification_n and_o glorification_n phil._n i_o think_v indeed_o it_o be_v very_o requisite_a that_o church_n member_n shall_v have_v knowledge_n of_o divine_a mystery_n so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n or_o else_o they_o will_v but_o profane_v holy_a thing_n and_o turn_v they_o into_o mere_a superstition_n or_o idolatry_n as_o the_o papist_n have_v do_v who_o hug_v ignorance_n as_o the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n but_o many_o a_o man_n that_o have_v have_v good_a christian_a education_n may_v give_v a_o great_a account_n in_o these_o matter_n and_o not_o have_v a_o grain_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o heart_n christ_n so_o he_o may_v nay_o many_o â—n_a one_o that_o can_v discourse_v with_o much_o knowledge_n in_o all_o point_n of_o divinity_n may_v be_v a_o very_a loose_a and_o wicked_a man_n in_o his_o life_n rom._n 2.17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o etc._n etc._n nay_o he_o may_v do_v all_o external_o in_o religion_n and_o have_v no_o power_n of_o godliness_n wherefore_o 2._o we_o go_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v to_o be_v satisfy_v and_o therefore_o inquire_v a_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o hope_n which_o when_o he_o have_v satisfy_v we_o in_o we_o can_v go_v no_o further_o but_o own_o he_o fit_a to_o become_v a_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o these_o qualification_n be_v express_o lay_v before_o we_o rom._n 10.10_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v to_o be_v give_v when_o require_v 1_o pet._n 3.15_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o it_o be_v therefore_o of_o the_o great_a weight_n to_o give_v this_o reason_n to_o a_o church_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n when_o ask_v by_o it_o and_o we_o find_v that_o they_o that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n act._n 2._o give_v good_a evidence_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o peter_n sermon_n phil._n but_o they_o be_v present_o add_v to_o the_o church_n they_o allot_v no_o time_n to_o make_v further_a inspection_n into_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n christ_n there_o may_v be_v great_a reason_n for_o it_o for_z 1._o it_o be_v most_o probable_a these_o be_v all_o know_v to_o be_v very_o devout_a in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n such_o it_o may_v be_v for_o conversation_n as_o zechary_n and_o elizabeth_n and_z as_o cornelius_z a_o proselyte_n for_o they_o be_v jew_n that_o live_v at_o a_o distance_n in_o remote_a region_n that_o come_v up_o constant_o to_o worship_n at_o the_o feast_n and_o now_o come_v to_o the_o feast_n of_o 〈…〉_o 2._o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o twelve_o all_o preside_v in_o the_o church_n who_o be_v extraordinary_o inspire_v and_o therefore_o have_v a_o more_o infallible_a judgement_n or_o more_o infallible_a dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o church_n administration_n than_o ordinary_a church_n officer_n since_o have_v as_o appear_v by_o many_o instance_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o simon_n magus_n ananias_n and_o sapphira_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o be_v acquaint_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n how_o true_a step_n they_o make_v in_o receive_v of_o member_n that_o they_o be_v still_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o false-hearted_a of_o all_o that_o 3000_o unless_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n be_v of_o that_o number_n phil._n but_o be_v it_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o every_o adult_n person_n be_v admit_v into_o church_n communion_n and_o give_v credible_a evidence_n that_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n christ_n yes_o for_o 1._o visible_a membership_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n give_v right_o of_o claim_n to_o communion_n with_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n a_o supposal_n of_o a_o person_n mystical_a union_n to_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o claim_n of_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o people_n in_o institute_v ordinance_n 2._o we_o have_v no_o other_o sort_n of_o member_n but_o visible_a saint_n speak_v of_o as_o admit_v in_o the_o primitive_a apostolic_a state_n of_o the_o church_n rom._n 1.7_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o phil._n 1.1_o eph._n 1.1_o coâ—_n 1.2_o saint_n and_o faithful_a brethren_n in_o 〈…〉_o these_o 1.1_o eph._n 2.1_o 2._o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o thessalonica_n be_v in_o god_n the_o father_n and_o in_o christ_n jesus_n in_o solomon_n temple_n all_o the_o stone_n be_v to_o be_v square_v and_o fit_v before_o lay_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n mystical_a and_o politic_a in_o visible_a church-state_n the_o apostle_n peter_n allude_v to_o it_o 1_o pet._n 2.2.3_o 5._o he_o show_v the_o first_o effect_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grace_n on_o convert_v and_o then_o they_o come_v to_o christ_n the_o cornerstone_n as_o live_v stone_n to_o be_v build_v a_o spiritual_a house_n in_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o saint_n 2._o that_o a_o church-member_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o when_o in_o be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v in_o but_o if_o any_o surreptitious_o crope_v in_o &_o be_v make_v manifest_a not_o to_o have_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o his_o eye_n he_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o therefore_o he_o that_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o have_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v a_o church-member_n see_v 1_o cor._n 5.11_o 12._o phil._n your_o strictness_n in_o this_o kind_n keep_v off_o many_o that_o will_v otherwise_o join_v themselves_o christ_n and_o do_v not_o the_o holiness_n of_o gospel-truths_n as_o much_o or_o more_o keep_v off_o carnal_a and_o wicked_a man_n from_o embrace_v they_o as_o they_o will_v say_v but_o the_o true_a reason_n be_v their_o rebellious_a heart_n bigoted_a to_o their_o belove_a sin_n beside_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o bar_n to_o keep_v off_o unworthy_a person_n from_o sacred_a thing_n it_o be_v not_o meet_v to_o give_v holy_a thing_n i._n e._n such_o as_o be_v peculiar_a to_o god_n child_n unto_o dog_n and_o such_o be_v church-priviledge_n 3._o we_o will_v not_o willing_o debar_v one_o even_o the_o least_o babe_n in_o christ_n from_o the_o appoint_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o therefore_o do_v willing_o condescend_v to_o the_o modesty_n and_o weakness_n of_o any_o age_n or_o sex_n manifest_v a_o spiritual_a hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n if_o there_o be_v a_o ground_n to_o judge_v there_o be_v truth_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v accept_v and_o this_o be_v ordinary_o perceive_v by_o they_o that_o be_v spiritual_a phil._n but_o you_o will_v ask_v hard_a question_n in_o the_o point_n of_o knowledge_n christ_n no_o hard_o than_o be_v ask_v in_o our_o ordinary_a catechism_n which_o we_o teach_v our_o child_n try_v only_o whether_o a_o grow_a person_n understand_v in_o any_o competent_a measure_n what_o he_o say_v according_a as_o philip_n deal_v with_o the_o eunuch_n phil._n but_o this_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v that_o which_o most_o be_v against_o and_o be_v loath_a to_o comply_v with_o christ_n they_o that_o have_v it_o not_o can_v do_v it_o unless_o some_o gloze_a hypocrite_n that_o by_o his_o education_n and_o part_n have_v get_v much_o brain-knowledge_n and_o can_v counterfeit_v any_o external_a part_n of_o
over_o to_o satan_n be_v as_o much_o as_o our_o saviour_n by_o who_o spirit_n the_o apostle_n enjoin_v the_o use_n of_o this_o word_n express_v mat._n 18._o that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v account_v as_o a_o excommunicate_a person_n be_v by_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o as_o one_o out_o of_o that_o church_n communion_n viz._n a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n for_o such_o the_o jew_n will_v not_o eat_v with_o and_o condemn_v our_o saviour_n for_o so_o do_v there_o be_v but_o two_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n christ_n and_o satan_n who_o be_v call_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n that_o rule_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n i._n e._n the_o son_n of_o belial_n man_n that_o will_v not_o come_v under_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n government_n and_o with_o such_o christ_n can_v have_v no_o concord_n in_o his_o church_n 2_o cor._n 6.15_o and_o therefore_o to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o a_o child_n of_o disobedience_n a_o incorrigible_a person_n harden_v in_o sin_n and_o to_o be_v return_v into_o the_o world_n as_o one_o that_o have_v no_o right_a to_o the_o child_n bread_n and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o humble_v he_o and_o bring_v he_o to_o shame_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n so_o that_o his_o flesh_n a_o gospel_n expression_n for_o sin_n which_o be_v corrupt_a affection_n and_o lust_n may_v be_v destroy_v and_o that_o his_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o consequent_a behaviour_n require_v towards_o such_o a_o one_o abundant_o show_v it_o that_o intimacy_n of_o familiarity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v keep_v with_o he_o 1_o cor._n 5.11_o and_o that_o such_o a_o person_n be_v to_o be_v put_v away_o from_o communion_n in_o this_o manner_n as_o to_o all_o sacred_a thing_n peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n ver_fw-la 13._o and_o what_o do_v the_o apostle_n intend_v 2_o thes_n 3.14_o but_o the_o excommunication_n of_o one_o that_o be_v unruly_a that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a for_o it_o be_v set_v a_o mark_n upon_o he_o that_o other_o may_v withdraw_v from_o he_o to_o his_o great_a shame_n but_o yet_o ver_fw-la 15._o to_o take_v all_o opportunity_n to_o admonish_v he_o in_o order_n to_o his_o recovery_n phil._n what_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o denunciation_n of_o this_o solemn_a sentence_n christ_n all_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n be_v private_a or_o public_a aught_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o all_o due_a deliberation_n be_v use_v and_o tenderness_n towards_o the_o offend_a brother_n before_o the_o case_n be_v put_v to_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v pass_v and_o the_o offender_n convict_v as_o guilty_a and_o ripe_a for_o censure_v the_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v open_a with_o all_o the_o aggravation_n thereof_o then_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sentence_n and_o the_o true_a end_n and_o intent_n thereof_o show_v solemn_a prayer_n be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o way_n of_o humiliation_n to_o the_o church_n and_o supplication_n for_o the_o conviction_n repentance_n and_o humiliation_n of_o the_o sinner_n that_o the_o ordinance_n may_v obtain_v its_o true_a and_o best_a effect_n upon_o he_o last_o the_o sentence_n be_v to_o be_v denounce_v solemn_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n by_o a_o roll_a elder_n if_o any_o if_o none_o by_o the_o pastor_n and_o then_o the_o ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v conclude_v with_o prayer_n of_o god_n blessing_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o sinner_n for_o his_o return_n and_o for_o the_o church_n that_o god_n will_v preserve_v it_o from_o impurity_n apostasy_n and_o decay_n in_o grace_n and_o that_o the_o fall_n of_o this_o brother_n may_v be_v a_o warn_a example_n that_o he_o that_o stand_v do_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v phil._n be_v there_o not_o a_o lesser_a excommunication_n which_o a_o offend_a brother_n may_v be_v try_v with_o before_o you_o proceed_v to_o this_o great_a and_o tremendous_a one_o christ_n there_o be_v with_o some_o that_o which_o they_o call_v suspension_n but_o i_o know_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o from_o the_o word_n for_o a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o adult_n member_n have_v right_a to_o all_o ordinance_n or_o not_o and_o right_o he_o have_v still_o till_o he_o be_v due_o convict_v and_o sentence_n pass_v upon_o he_o and_o i_o know_v no_o power_n that_o any_o church_n or_o officer_n have_v to_o debar_v he_o from_o any_o ordinance_n of_o church_n communion_n till_o he_o be_v exclude_v judicial_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n phil._n you_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v a_o excommunicate_a person_n again_o upon_o credible_a manifestation_n of_o his_o repentance_n christ_n there_o aught_o to_o be_v great_a readiness_n to_o receive_v a_o repent_v and_o return_v sinner_n with_o all_o tenderness_n compassion_n and_o commiseration_n but_o with_o a_o due_a regard_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n his_o church_n and_o ordinance_n to_o endeavour_v to_o get_v as_o much_o satisfaction_n as_o may_v be_v concern_v the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o his_o profess_a repentance_n not_o only_o by_o manifest_a remorse_n but_o in_o some_o case_n by_o experience_a reformation_n phil._n you_o be_v say_v that_o one_o that_o be_v a_o unjust_a divider_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o a_o direct_a excommunication_n christ_n i_o do_v very_o believe_v it_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o though_o our_o church_n that_o be_v now_o but_o in_o a_o decline_a state_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o order_n will_v not_o receive_v it_o yet_o church_n have_v practise_v it_o and_o whenever_o the_o church_n flourish_v they_o will_v practice_v it_o my_o reason_n be_v brief_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v schism_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n be_v the_o actual_a divide_v of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o schism_n speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v but_o faction_n tend_v to_o this_o division_n else_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v give_v command_n to_o excommunicate_v the_o causer_n thereof_o as_o well_o as_o the_o incestuous_a person_n for_o the_o contention_n and_o faction_n that_o have_v a_o tendency_n thereto_o they_o be_v high_o rebuke_v 1_o cor._n 1.11_o 12._o ch_z 3.3_o 1_o cor._n 11.18_o 2._o what_o way_n be_v for_o mark_v and_o withdraw_v from_o a_o person_n but_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n rom._n 16.17_o 1_o thes_n 5.14_o 2_o thes_n 3.14_o 3._o it_o be_v a_o most_o scandalous_a sin_n to_o jew_n gentile_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n nothing_o stain_v the_o honour_n of_o christ_n more_o in_o the_o congregation_n 4._o it_o be_v a_o root_n of_o bitterness_n that_o infect_v many_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v pluck_v up_o by_o censure_n if_o it_o can_v be_v cure_v heb._n 12.15_o 5._o to_o excommunicate_v such_o a_o person_n be_v no_o wrong_n because_o he_o have_v excommunicate_v himself_o he_o have_v but_o what_o he_o seek_v after_o and_o have_v do_v 6._o it_o be_v fit_a such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v judicial_o because_o he_o have_v by_o usurpation_n excommunicate_v himself_o and_o the_o church_n 7._o it_o be_v plain_a it_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o such_o a_o one_o wherein_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v make_v as_o a_o heathen_a and_o publican_n 8._o it_o be_v a_o gross_a breach_n of_o his_o covenant_n at_o entrance_n into_o church_n communion_n phil._n speak_v something_o now_o of_o the_o five_o head_n of_o ordinance_n which_o be_v contribution_n to_o the_o support_n of_o ordinance_n ministry_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n christ_n contribution_n on_o these_o account_n be_v manifest_o the_o office_n charge_n of_o the_o deacon_n to_o call_v the_o church_n to_o its_o duty_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o to_o take_v care_n for_o the_o faithful_a distribution_n of_o all_o collection_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o to_o give_v account_n thereof_o to_o the_o church_n they_o be_v herein_o the_o church_n steward_n it_o be_v full_o manifest_a from_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o that_o office_n act_v 6._o and_o by_o their_o necessary_a qualification_n speak_v of_o 1_o tim._n 3.8_o now_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o office_n and_o ordinance_n be_v not_o only_o the_o gospel_n institution_n which_o from_o the_o place_n foremention_v be_v without_o dispute_n but_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n society_n itself_o no_o society_n if_o but_o civil_a can_v be_v support_v according_a to_o their_o nature_n without_o charge_n and_o there_o be_v many_o charge_n necessary_o require_v to_o support_v a_o church_n society_n for_o a_o ministry_n must_v be_v maintain_v 1_o cor._n 9.9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o 18._o gal._n 6.6_o luke_n 10.4_o likewise_o there_o be_v charge_n as_o to_o place_n for_o the_o church_n
church_n seem_v very_o clear_a as_o have_v be_v touch_v but_o suppose_v it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o clear_o express_v i_o know_v not_o out_o if_o god_n institute_n a_o society_n or_o other_o thing_n what_o ever_o be_v necessary_o require_v to_o the_o very_a nature_n &_o essence_n of_o the_o thing_n without_o which_o it_o will_v inevitable_o be_v destroy_v aught_o to_o be_v do_v the_o general_a rule_n in_o such-case_n ought_v to_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o duty_n in_o all_o those_o particular_n that_o must_v necessary_o attend_v obedience_n thereunto_o phil._n but_o if_o this_o bond_n of_o visible_a obligation_n be_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n than_o there_o be_v no_o true_a church_n but_o such_o where_o it_o be_v which_o seem_v to_o be_v hard_o christ_n how_o far_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n will_v own_v a_o people_n profess_v themselves_o a_o church_n and_o how_o far_o he_o will_v dispense_v with_o their_o failure_n and_o defect_n in_o matter_n of_o order_n especial_o while_o it_o have_v be_v in_o the_o antichristian_a wilderness_n he_o himself_o only_o know_v much_o have_v be_v do_v by_o christ_n undoubted_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n of_o that_o great_a apostasy_n in_o the_o day_n of_o reformation_n and_o that_o he_o have_v have_v his_o true_a church_n all_o along_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v but_o that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v in_o a_o mystical_a not_o a_o visible_a organical_a stand_n and_o in_o many_o congregation_n where_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n have_v in_o some_o measure_n of_o purity_n be_v administer_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o congregation_n visible_a saint_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o administration_n free_v from_o romish_a pollution_n and_o (null)_o invention_n we_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o there_o may_v have_v be_v a_o true_a though_o not_o right_o regulate_v church_n of_o christ_n without_o this_o express_a and_o solemn_a obligation_n it_o be_v implicit_a and_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v as_o intend_v by_o their_o practice_n in_o attend_v and_o constant_a wait_v upon_o god_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o his_o appointment_n in_o one_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n especial_o in_o that_o great_a ordinance_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n wherein_o they_o seal_v their_o union_n in_o one_o body_n 1_o cor._n 10_o 17._o and_o undoubted_o a_o people_n that_o be_v congregat_v have_v explicit_o choose_v their_o pastor_n or_o implicit_o subject_v to_o he_o and_o receive_v this_o sacred_a ordinance_n from_o his_o hand_n be_v bind_v to_o abide_v as_o a_o society_n mutual_o relate_v one_o to_o another_o in_o constant_a and_o frequent_a communion_n by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n itself_o but_o the_o come_n of_o a_o church_n thus_o together_o 1._o be_v far_o short_a of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o the_o generality_n of_o communicant_n of_o this_o sort_n do_v not_o apprehend_v themselves_o hereby_o bind_v to_o one_o congregation_n more_o than_o another_o and_o their_o minister_n look_v not_o upon_o themselves_o bind_v to_o one_o people_n more_o than_o another_o any_o more_o than_o for_o external_a emolument_fw-fr take_v themselves_o to_o be_v minister_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o so_o may_v administer_v the_o sacrament_n to_o as_o many_o people_n as_o they_o preach_v to_o here_o or_o there_o without_o design_v a_o peculiar_a flock_n to_o take_v charge_n of_o so_o that_o their_o church_n be_v occasional_a most_o time_n and_o but_o for_o a_o while_n during_o their_o pleasure_n to_o administer_v to_o they_o 3._o such_o a_o congregation_n be_v not_o at_o all_o governable_a though_o as_o to_o privilege_n so_o call_v they_o take_v and_o leave_v as_o they_o please_v yet_o for_o their_o disorder_n miscarriage_n and_o sin_n they_o think_v themselves_o not_o accountable_a to_o any_o and_o so_o liable_a to_o no_o censure_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o will_v go_v as_o far_o as_o possible_a in_o allow_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n to_o profess_v protestant_n congregation_n yet_o we_o can_v do_v to_o all_o promiscuous_o but_o may_v undoubted_o use_v the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n therein_o so_o as_o we_o be_v careful_a we_o do_v not_o by_o our_o practice_n in_o this_o and_o other_o case_n nullify_v the_o appoint_a order_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o pollute_v our_o communion_n phil._n i_o pray_v what_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o a_o people_n first_o enter_v into_o a_o church_n state_n christ_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o the_o usual_a manner_n of_o they_o in_o n._n e._n and_o other_o place_n who_o have_v choose_v to_o practice_v most_o agreeable_o to_o gospel_n order_n when_o a_o competent_a number_n of_o profess_v believer_n live_v within_o a_o vicinity_n desire_v to_o join_v together_o in_o a_o church_n state_n have_v good_a knowledge_n one_o of_o another_o and_o have_v solemn_o seek_v god_n together_o for_o help_v and_o direction_n in_o this_o weighty_a matter_n they_o appoint_v a_o day_n for_o it_o and_o acquaint_v church_n with_o it_o that_o their_o pastor_n or_o messenger_n or_o as_o many_o of_o other_o church_n as_o please_v may_v be_v present_a at_o the_o time_n after_o spend_v some_o part_n of_o the_o day_n in_o such_o solemn_a duty_n as_o concern_v the_o matter_n in_o hand_n they_o do_v declare_v the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o their_o soul_n one_o after_o another_o then_o or_o before_o one_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o to_o preside_v for_o order_n sake_n this_o day_n it_o may_v be_v some_o brother_n upon_o who_o they_o have_v their_o eye_n for_o a_o pastor_n he_o than_o declare_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o there_o now_o intend_v to_o associate_v name_v each_o of_o they_o at_o which_o they_o be_v stand_v the_o speaker_n address_v himself_o to_o the_o pastor_n and_o messenger_n of_o other_o church_n present_a after_o this_o or_o the_o like_a manner_n brethren_n you_o be_v witness_n of_o that_o great_a and_o solemn_a obligation_n that_o we_o be_v enter_v into_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o name_n and_o a_o place_n within_o the_o wall_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n together_o with_o you_o and_o may_v have_v but_o the_o honour_n to_o be_v reckon_v one_o of_o the_o least_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n we_o therefore_o here_o upon_o mature_a consideration_n and_o cheerful_o do_v give_v up_o ourselves_o with_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o one_o another_o promise_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o subject_v ourselves_o to_o all_o the_o command_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o and_o our_o mutual_a comfort_n and_o edification_n and_o do_v according_o receive_v each_o other_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o cleave_v to_o each_o other_o in_o brotherly_a love_n and_o mutual_a subjection_n according_a to_o god_n these_o word_n whether_o more_a or_o less_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n may_v be_v use_v only_o to_o declare_v their_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n in_o faith_n and_o order_n according_o one_o of_o the_o pastor_n or_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n stand_v up_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n there_o present_a and_o declare_v their_o joyfulness_n and_o gladness_n of_o heart_n to_o see_v their_o faith_n and_o order_n and_o according_o do_v reach_v out_o unto_o they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n with_o holy_a wish_n and_o desire_n that_o as_o their_o foundation_n be_v lay_v in_o christ_n jesus_n so_o they_o may_v be_v edify_v in_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v multiply_v see_v cotton_n way_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n phil._n sure_o this_o practice_n look_v very_o much_o as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o what_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v christ_n now_o the_o next_o thing_n be_v to_o organize_v this_o body_n with_o officer_n in_o order_n to_o due_a administration_n of_o ordinance_n chap._n iii_o of_o church_n officer_n phil._n have_v they_o power_n within_o themselves_o to_o choose_v their_o officer_n christ_n they_o must_v undoubted_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o society_n be_v such_o that_o they_o must_v have_v it_o for_o they_o associate_v not_o themselves_o by_o the_o command_n or_o power_n of_o man_n but_o of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n if_o none_o have_v power_n over_o they_o but_o the_o lord_n jesus_n alone_o none_o but_o himself_o by_o their_o own_o free_a act_n can_v constitute_v a_o pastor_n over_o they_o 2._o the_o power_n of_o choose_v their_o officer_n be_v one_o of_o the_o subordinate_a end_n for_o which_o they_o do_v associate_v because_o they_o will_v not_o
stand_v in_o doctrine_n exhortation_n and_o reproof_n etc._n etc._n to_o bring_v home_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o exposition_n application_n catechism_n and_o defend_v the_o truth_n against_o gainsayers_a phil._n you_o give_v the_o whole_a preach_a office_n unto_o the_o pastor_n christ_n it_o be_v in_o he_o and_o may_v ordinary_o be_v perform_v by_o he_o provide_v his_o strength_n and_o ability_n can_v reach_v to_o it_o and_o other_o part_n of_o his_o office_n lie_v not_o too_o hard_o upon_o he_o or_o can_v be_v perform_v to_o the_o church_n full_a edification_n phil._n but_o what_o if_o it_o can_v be_v perform_v to_o the_o church_n full_a edification_n christ_n then_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o a_o coadjutor_n or_o assistant_n to_o he_o be_v choose_v in_o this_o part_n of_o his_o office_n to_o wit_v a_o teacher_n or_o teach_v elder_a who_o be_v to_o wait_v most_o on_o doctrinal_a expository_n and_o catechumenal_a teach_n phil._n but_o this_o seem_v not_o a_o distinct_a officer_n christ_n though_o he_o come_v into_o part_n of_o the_o pastoral_n or_o episcopal_a office_n yet_o he_o become_v a_o distinct_a officer_n for_o he_o come_v in_o as_o a_o govern_n feed_v officer_n attend_v more_o particular_o on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o office_n to_o which_o he_o be_v appoint_v and_o choose_v for_o he_o be_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n so_o far_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v he_o overseer_n by_o the_o call_n of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o necessary_a supply_n neither_o do_v his_o office_n power_n curtalize_v at_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o pastor_n only_o act_v in_o conjunction_n with_o his_o office_n be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d opitulatio_fw-la a_o help_n or_o assistance_n take_v off_o part_n of_o the_o burden_n from_o he_o and_o such_o teacher_n be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v to_o wait_v on_o his_o teach_n rom._n 12.7_o where_o teach_v seem_v plain_o to_o be_v specify_v as_o a_o distinct_a officework_n in_o one_o call_v thereto_o as_o exhort_v in_o he_o that_o be_v more_o especial_o call_v to_o exhortation_n and_o teacher_n be_v plain_o enough_o name_v in_o distinction_n from_o pastor_n as_o officer_n set_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n eph._n 4.11_o 12._o for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n i._n e._n officer_n for_o the_o fill_n up_o the_o ministerial_a office_n and_o edify_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n therefore_o when_o this_o officer_n be_v necessary_a for_o full_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n than_o he_o be_v to_o be_v add_v phil._n be_v there_o no_o officer_n appoint_v to_o take_v up_o as_o a_o help_n to_o the_o pastor_n in_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n for_o where_o a_o church_n be_v large_a the_o oversight_n of_o the_o flock_n in_o way_n of_o rule_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v require_v much_o labour_n diligence_n and_o wisdom_n christ_n there_o be_v roll_a elder_n or_o presbyter_n call_v to_o attend_v and_o wait_v upon_o that_o part_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n to_o take_v up_o with_o he_o and_o be_v help_n in_o government_n i_o conceive_v they_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 12.28_o which_o shall_v not_o be_v render_v miracle_n but_o rule_v officer_n or_o power_n as_o the_o same_o word_n be_v render_v rom._n 8.38_o person_n in_o power_n the_o abstract_n put_v for_o the_o concrete_a and_o the_o gift_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n first_o and_o last_o be_v specify_v under_o the_o name_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gift_n gracious_o bestow_v among_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gubernationes_fw-la govern_v or_o rule_v gift_n phil._n you_o make_v then_o a_o rule_v elder_a a_o distinct_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n christ_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n be_v not_o rule_v elder_n but_o that_o when_o one_o or_o both_o be_v not_o able_a to_o manage_v the_o roll_a part_n for_o the_o sufficient_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n there_o ought_v one_o or_o more_o to_o be_v call_v into_o that_o part_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o to_o attend_v thereto_o with_o diligence_n and_o according_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 12.7_o 8_o 9_o call_v the_o whole_a ministry_n of_o the_o church_n episcopal_n and_o diaconal_a by_o the_o name_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o ministry_n and_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o several_a office_n to_o be_v attend_v to_o the_o teacher_n that_o attend_v on_o teach_v the_o exhorte_a that_o attend_v on_o exhortation_n the_o deacon_n that_o distribute_v with_o simplicity_n the_o roll_a elder_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o preside_v in_o govern_v let_v he_o do_v it_o with_o industry_n or_o diligence_n phil._n but_o be_v there_o any_o presbyter_n or_o elder_a that_o be_v not_o teach_v you_o seem_v to_o be_v for_o lay-elders_a christ_n the_o distinction_n between_o clergy_n and_o laity_n come_v from_o rome_n we_o own_v it_o not_o in_o the_o sense_n it_o be_v use_v by_o no_o mean_n for_o the_o people_n be_v the_o clergy_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o apostle_n peter_n show_v the_o duty_n of_o presbyter_n 1_o pet._n 5.3_o he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o lording_n it_o as_o lordbishop_n over_o god_n heritage_n 2._o they_o be_v no_o more_o layman_n than_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n yea_o i_o may_v affirm_v if_o they_o that_o be_v ordain_v officer_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n be_v make_v thereby_o the_o clergy_n than_o all_o the_o minister_n even_o deacon_n as_o well_o as_o pastor_n for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o kind_n of_o ordination_n to_o all_o the_o officer_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n 3._o we_o deny_v not_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n to_o be_v rule_v elder_n neither_o do_v we_o deny_v that_o a_o rule_v elder_a may_v speak_v and_o teach_v as_o occasion_n require_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o in_o matter_n that_o concern_v his_o office_n in_o public_a or_o private_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v one_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o all_o presbyter_n or_o roll_a elder_n preach_v or_o not_o that_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o teach_v 1_o tim._n 3.2_o and_o 2_o tim._n 2.24_o the_o elder_n must_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o a_o bishop_n i._n e._n a_o roll_a elder_a or_o presbyter_n must_v be_v apt_a to_o teach_v i._n e._n so_o far_o at_o least_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n as_o he_o be_v call_v thereto_o 4._o but_o the_o apostle_n do_v speak_v very_o clear_o in_o distribute_v the_o elder_n into_o they_o who_o ordinary_a and_o chief_a work_n be_v to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o such_o who_o more_o peculiar_a work_n be_v to_o attend_v government_n though_o there_o never_o want_v those_o that_o will_v endeavour_v to_o darken_v and_o baffle_v the_o expression_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v clear_a to_o common_a sense_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o the_o presbyter_n that_o rule_v well_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v presider_v or_o precedent_n in_o rule_n and_o government_n as_o all_o the_o presbyter_n or_o bishop_n be_v in_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v worthy_a or_o let_v they_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n i._n e._n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n and_o well_o management_n thereof_o let_v such_o have_v great_a honour_n than_o any_o age_a person_n that_o be_v but_o a_o ordinary_a brother_n for_o he_o have_v speak_v before_o of_o our_o carriage_n to_o age_a brethren_n and_o sister_n but_o such_o as_o these_o we_o shall_v esteem_v they_o for_o their_o work_n sake_n but_o especial_o they_o that_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n the_o preach_a presbyter_n let_v they_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n be_v honour_v or_o esteem_v phil._n how_o many_o roll_a elder_n ought_v there_o to_o be_v christ_n christ_n have_v not_o limit_v church_n here_o but_o leave_v they_o to_o walk_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o edification_n the_o church_n may_v be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v full_o edify_v by_o a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n as_o the_o sole_a presbyter_n and_o there_o may_v be_v little_a or_o no_o use_n of_o a_o distinct_a roll_a elder_a till_o the_o church_n increase_v to_o a_o great_a bigness_n and_o when_o it_o be_v increase_v the_o church_n may_v choose_v one_o or_o more_o according_a as_o be_v judge_v necessary_a to_o its_o edification_n phil._n what_o if_o the_o church_n have_v not_o a_o man_n or_o man_n due_o qualify_v for_o that_o office_n christ._n they_o may_v pitch_v upon_o a_o brother_n not_o in_o office_n of_o
another_o congregation_n and_o call_v he_o to_o it_o and_o why_o not_o as_o well_o as_o to_o call_v one_o to_o be_v a_o preach_v elder_a that_o be_v a_o brother_n of_o another_o congregation_n for_o all_o church_n officer_n shall_v be_v take_v out_o of_o church_n and_o first_o make_v member_n of_o that_o church_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o serve_v christ_n in_o office_n before_o they_o be_v solemn_o set_v apart_o thereto_o phil._n what_o reason_n may_v a_o church_n be_v move_v by_o to_o choose_v a_o roll_a elder_a or_o more_o christ_n if_o there_o be_v a_o brother_n apt_o qualify_v and_o can_v attend_v it_o there_o need_v be_v no_o dispute_n about_o it_o though_o the_o church_n be_v but_o small_a it_o may_v be_v much_o comfort_n and_o help_v to_o the_o pastor_n and_o tend_v to_o much_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o church_n may_v see_v reason_n to_o choose_v rule_v elder_n from_o the_o great_a increase_n and_o largeness_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o management_n of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n lie_v not_o too_o heavy_o upon_o their_o pastor_n 3._o the_o church_n may_v see_v reason_n for_o it_o because_o their_o pastor_n qualify_v it_o may_v be_v with_o much_o of_o grace_n preach_v gift_n and_o learning_n may_v not_o be_v qualify_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o government_n and_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o that_o man_n of_o retire_a studious_a life_n have_v so_o great_a a_o insight_n into_o the_o right_a order_n of_o politic_a affair_n a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o great_a mathematician_n but_o yet_o a_o ill_a seaman_n not_o know_v how_o to_o work_v or_o steer_v a_o ship_n so_o well_o as_o a_o master_n mate_n or_o a_o boatswain_n there_o be_v in_o spiritual_n as_o well_o as_o temporal_n a_o skill_n in_o practice_n to_o have_v the_o sense_n exercise_v by_o reason_n of_o use_n as_o well_o as_o a_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o rule_n phil._n what_o be_v the_o officework_n of_o a_o roll_a elder_n christ_n to_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n to_o admission_n to_o make_v good_a enquiry_n after_o the_o faith_n and_o holy_a conversation_n of_o such_o who_o offer_v themselves_o to_o church_n communion_n to_o propound_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o church_n 2._o to_o make_v inspection_n into_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o actual_a member_n frequent_o to_o visit_v they_o to_o rebuke_v any_o seem_o late-walking_a as_o not_o become_v the_o gospel_n to_o inquire_v after_o the_o reason_n of_o member_n absentment_n from_o communion_n to_o exhort_v they_o to_o frequent_v assemble_v together_o for_o mutual_a edification_n to_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a to_o support_v the_o weak_a to_o visit_v the_o sick_a to_o inform_v the_o ignorant_a etc._n etc._n 3._o in_o all_o matter_n of_o admonition_n and_o censure_n to_o hear_v and_o prepare_v matter_n for_o the_o church_n before_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o do_v in_o confusion_n and_o in_o disquietment_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o church_n but_o with_o all_o meekness_n unanimity_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n phil._n you_o have_v show_v that_o the_o ministerial_a office_n of_o the_o church_n be_v pastoral_n or_o diaconal_a and_o have_v show_v that_o the_o pastoral_n or_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o the_o pastoral_n care_n be_v exhortation_n teach_v administration_n of_o the_o seal_n rule_n and_o government_n according_a to_o all_o which_o part_n of_o a_o pastor_n office_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v provide_v affi_v officer_n and_o help_n such_o as_o teacher_n and_o roll_a elder_n to_o the_o full_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n i_o pray_v speak_v now_o something_o of_o the_o deacon_n office_n christ_n the_o english_a word_n deacon_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v a_o minister_n or_o one_o that_o serve_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n in_o office_n it_o be_v use_v for_o any_o minister_n at_o large_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o deaconship_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o apostleship_n itself_o act._n 1.17_o 25._o or_o to_o a_o part_n of_o their_o ministry_n as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o act._n 6.4_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o any_o particular_a service_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 11.29_o ch_n 12.25_o and_o paul_n appli_v it_o to_o his_o whole_a ministry_n as_o a_o apostle_n act._n 20.24_o rom._n 11.13_o ch_n 15.31_o 2._o cor._n 6.3_o but_o it_o have_v its_o peculiar_a application_n to_o that_o ministry_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o supply_n of_o the_o church_n and_o saint_n necessity_n by_o way_n of_o distribution_n of_o collection_n make_v to_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n to_o whosesoever_o care_v it_o be_v commit_v and_o such_o a_o service_n paul_n say_v he_o undertake_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o other_o church_n 2_o cor._n 8.4_o which_o be_v call_v the_o deaconship_n of_o this_o liturgy_n 2_o cor._n 9.12_o render_v the_o administration_n of_o this_o service_n now_o we_o find_v as_o office_n title_n of_o large_a significancy_n be_v bring_v down_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o denote_v a_o single_a particular_a office_n in_o the_o church_n as_o apostle_n pastor_n bishop_n presbyter_n etc._n etc._n so_o here_o the_o word_n deacon_n be_v often_o use_v for_o all_o sacred_a ministry_n liturgy_n or_o service_n be_v a_o title_n put_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n who_o be_v call_v and_o set_v apart_o to_o the_o liturgy_n or_o service_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o way_n of_o administration_n by_o distribution_n phil._n when_o be_v the_o first_o institution_n of_o deacon_n christ_n it_o be_v act._n 6._o a_o apostolic_a i._n e._n as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v a_o divine_a institution_n and_o it_o be_v not_o amiss_o to_o observe_v the_o reason_n &_o ground_n of_o it_o it_o be_v to_o ease_v the_o apostle_n in_o that_o great_a burden_n that_o lie_v upon_o they_o when_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v sell_v their_o possession_n and_o bring_v the_o money_n and_o lay_v it_o down_o at_o their_o foot_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v give_v forth_o again_o for_o a_o equal_a and_o necessary_a support_n to_o every_o one_o as_o need_v require_v this_o be_v too_o great_a a_o charge_n and_o burden_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o likely_a afterward_o to_o be_v unto_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o hence_o they_o institute_v this_o office_n of_o deaconship_n and_o therefore_o be_v also_o a_o more_o remote_a office_n of_o assistance_n unto_o the_o roll_a episcopacy_n but_o be_v very_o distinct_a in_o nature_n and_o kind_n from_o that_o sort_n of_o ministry_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n speak_v after_o that_o manner_n act._n 6.1_o 4._o that_o the_o church_n shall_v choose_v they_o fit_a man_n for_o this_o daily_a care_n and_o trust_v and_o they_o will_v betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n phil._n what_o ground_n have_v you_o for_o this_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n christ._n the_o very_a nature_n of_o such_o a_o society_n as_o a_o church_n require_v it_o and_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o very_a good_a ground_n for_o a_o office_n when_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o well_o be_v of_o a_o society_n and_o it_o be_v ordinary_a necessity_n do_v require_v it_o but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v most_o express_a upon_o this_o account_n that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o apostle_n choose_v such_o officer_n for_o the_o necessary_a service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o they_o be_v afterward_o state_v officer_n in_o other_o church_n appear_v from_o phil._n 1.1_o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v express_o call_v their_o ministry_n a_o office_n 1_o tim._n 3.10_o 13._o as_o the_o word_n be_v render_v and_o ought_v to_o be_v by_o our_o interpreter_n their_o qualification_n and_o encouragement_n be_v also_o very_o particular_a v._o 8.9_o 10_o 13._o see_v rom._n 12.8_o he_o it_o to_o be_v grave_n sober_a exemplary_a in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n etc._n etc._n phil._n what_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n christ._n the_o holy_a ghost_n call_v it_o serve_v of_o table_n the_o lord_n table_n and_o the_o table_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o a_o faithful_a collection_n and_o distribution_n of_o the_o stock_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v give_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o ordinance_n ministry_n and_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a which_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v with_o simplicity_n prudence_n and_o cheerfulness_n and_o of_o which_o they_o be_v accountable_a to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o church_n let_v that_o word_n cheerfulness_n be_v observe_v because_o many_o be_v apt_a to_o murmur_v at_o this_o office_n as_o a_o burden_n to_o they_o phil._n how_o many_o deacon_n be_v there_o to_o be_v christ_n there_o be_v seven_o in_o the_o first_o church_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o there_o have_v seldom_o church_n arrive_v to_o the_o bigness_n
church_n exercise_n of_o its_o power_n 1._o in_o election_n of_o officer_n 2._o admission_n of_o member_n 3._o translate_n member_n to_o other_o church_n admonition_n and_o censure_n 5._o contribution_n for_o the_o support_n of_o ordinance_n ministry_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n 6._o i_o may_v add_v unto_o this_o holy_a conference_n for_o mutual_a edification_n these_o be_v give_v either_o as_o peculiar_a privilege_n to_o the_o church_n such_o as_o the_o seal_n and_o key_n of_o discipline_n or_o primary_o though_o for_o the_o conversion_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o other_o but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o multiplication_n growth_n and_o confirmation_n in_o grace_n phil._n speak_v to_o these_o gospel_n ordinance_n particular_o as_o to_o the_o distinct_a nature_n end_v and_o use_v of_o they_o christ_n 1._o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n comprehend_v 1._o the_o read_n of_o it_o frequent_o in_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o open_n and_o expound_v of_o it_o 3._o the_o apply_v it_o unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o saint_n and_o unbelieve_a sinner_n according_a to_o the_o true_a intent_n thereof_o by_o instruction_n reprehension_n exhortation_n direction_n consolation_n in_o the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n 4._o by_o the_o instil_a and_o promote_a the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o catechise_v child_n &_o youth_n in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o may_v conduce_v most_o to_o the_o enlighten_v their_o understanding_n in_o and_o bring_v over_o their_o affection_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n in_o their_o tender_a year_n phil._n sir_n i_o doubt_v in_o the_o last_o thing_n mention_v many_o if_o not_o most_o of_o your_o church_n have_v be_v too_o defective_a christ_n i_o grant_v it_o and_o fear_v the_o next_o generation_n will_v have_v great_a cause_n to_o complain_v of_o we_o for_o the_o child_n of_o church_n member_n do_v manifest_o grow_v up_o in_o ignorance_n carnality_n and_o looseness_n little_a care_n be_v take_v of_o most_o religious_a parent_n and_o less_o by_o the_o church_n to_o educate_v they_o in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n all_z or_o the_o chief_a of_o parent_n care_v be_v how_o to_o provide_v well_o for_o they_o in_o the_o world_n beside_o every_o way_n of_o catechise_v will_v not_o answer_v the_o end_n to_o learn_v a_o catechism_n mere_o by_o rote_n and_o a_o preach_n upon_o it_o will_v make_v no_o more_o impression_n on_o their_o age_n than_o other_o preach_n there_o must_v be_v care_n to_o instill_v in_o to_o their_o understanding_n by_o little_a and_o little_a in_o a_o plain_a and_o familiar_a way_n of_o discourse_n with_o they_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o receive_v if_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o water_n be_v flush_v on_o upon_o a_o narrow-mouthed_a bottle_n very_o little_a or_o none_o will_v go_v in_o but_o you_o may_v by_o a_o small_a stream_n and_o gradual_o fill_v it_o ignorance_n in_o religion_n be_v destruction_n of_o religion_n it_o have_v be_v the_o mother_n of_o all_o false_a worship_n and_o error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a it_o be_v the_o cause_n for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o disorder_n in_o and_o among_o church_n phil._n to_o what_o officer_n do_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o word_n in_o church_n belong_v christ_n to_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n if_o there_o be_v any_o they_o be_v the_o preach_a elder_n that_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n the_o pastor_n work_n in_o preach_v seem_v to_o lie_v most_o in_o deal_v with_o the_o conscience_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o hearer_n whether_o for_o conversion_n or_o edification_n the_o teacher_n insist_o most_o on_o the_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n by_o doctrinal_a truth_n catechise_v argumentation_n and_o conviction_n of_o gainsayer_n rom._n 12.7_o 8._o if_o one_o officer_n according_a to_o the_o present_a circumstance_n can_v perform_v his_o office_n to_o the_o full_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v well_o if_o not_o then_o both_o be_v requisite_a as_o have_v be_v speak_v and_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v so_o preach_v as_o have_v be_v say_v 2_o tim._n 4.2_o 3._o eph._n 4.12_o act._n 2.42_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n be_v the_o word_n that_o be_v to_o be_v preach_v and_o to_o be_v attend_v on_o by_o we_o phil._n i_o look_v upon_o prayer_n and_o praise_n ab_fw-la be_v great_a church_n ordinance_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n of_o a_o universal_a nature_n to_o all_o and_o individual_a person_n in_o private_a and_o secret_a christ_n it_o be_v a_o solemn_a church_n ordinance_n express_v either_o way_n in_o public_a prayer_n or_o in_o praise_n not_o only_o in_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o single_a person_n the_o mouth_n of_o the_o congregation_n but_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n that_o prayer_n be_v a_o church_n ordinance_n and_o a_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v frequent_o in_o the_o church_n service_n see_v act._n 1.14_o these_o continue_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n so_o act._n 2.42_o no_o other_o ordinance_n can_v be_v due_o administer_v without_o it_o phil._n i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o christian_n but_o hold_v that_o prayer_n be_v a_o church_n ordinance_n but_o i_o have_v hear_v some_o except_o against_o sing_v of_o psalm_n in_o metre_n as_o we_o do_v christ_n that_o sing_v psalm_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n i_o think_v be_v plain_a 1._o that_o sing_v praise_n to_o god_n with_o a_o audible_a voice_n be_v practise_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n by_o the_o apostle_n act._n 16.25_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v sing_v in_o the_o church_n at_o the_o most_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v without_o dispute_n mat._n 26.30_o mark_v 14.26_o 3._o that_o sing_v with_o word_n of_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n at_o the_o same_o time_n make_v melody_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v recommend_v to_o we_o eph._n 5.19_o so_o col._n 3.16_o teach_v and_o admonish_v yourselves_o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v render_v and_o not_o one_o another_o for_o thus_o interpreter_n have_v render_v the_o same_o word_n yourselves_o eph._n 5.19_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a ode_n in_o grace_n sing_v in_o your_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n from_o both_o which_o place_n sing_v spiritual_a psalm_n and_o hymn_n for_o instruct_v and_o quicken_a a_o gracious_a heart_n sweet_o and_o affectionate_o carry_v forth_o in_o they_o be_v high_o recommend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o sing_v in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o appear_v by_o what_o be_v practise_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o they_o sing_v a_o hymn_n and_o by_o paul_n and_o silas_n in_o prison_n but_o what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v express_o he_o expect_v of_o we_o rom._n 15.6_o that_o you_o may_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n i.e._n with_o sameness_n of_o word_n and_o heart_n glorify_v god_n phil._n some_o may_v say_v this_o be_v to_o use_v form_n christ_n a._n 1._o though_o it_o be_v to_o use_v a_o form_n in_o sing_v it_o be_v not_o a_o impose_v form_n but_o free_o take_v and_o choose_v no_o more_o than_o the_o minister_n text_n be_v impose_v 2._o a_o form_n allow_v or_o enjoin_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v use_v as_o the_o word_n of_o institution_n in_o administration_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n or_o of_o the_o element_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n 3._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v that_o it_o be_v premeditate_v that_o the_o sing_v be_v melodious_a i._n e._n orderly_o not_o with_o confusion_n and_o not_o in_o absurd_a dissony_n phil._n but_o some_o be_v against_o sing_v in_o mix_a congregation_n chr._n they_o may_v as_o well_o be_v against_o public_a pray_v in_o mix_a congregation_n do_v not_o he_o that_o pray_v endeavour_v to_o use_v such_o expression_n as_o most_o may_v join_v with_o he_o in_o so_o he_o that_o propound_v a_o psalm_n or_o hymn_n endeavour_n to_o suit_n it_o to_o the_o congregation_n where_o and_o the_o time_n and_o occasion_n when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v sing_v it_o be_v due_a to_o god_n from_o all_o his_o creature_n to_o praise_v he_o it_o be_v his_o saint_n only_o bless_v he_o but_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o judge_v the_o heart_n of_o he_o that_o join_v in_o a_o public_a duty_n and_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v public_o as_o pray_v and_o preach_v we_o be_v not_o to_o hinder_v any_o that_o will_v join_v with_o we_o if_o they_o be_v not_o upright_o in_o one_o or_o profit_v by_o the_o other_o the_o sin_n lie_v on_o themselves_o to_o answer_v for_o it_o phil._n which_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o
apostle_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o with_o they_o to_o all_o faithful_a minister_n there_o be_v another_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gospel_n viz._n the_o key_n of_o power_n which_o be_v either_o of_o supreme_a church-power_n and_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v sovereign_a absolute_a legislative_a and_o therefore_o call_v the_o key_n of_o david_n which_o he_o alone_o have_v rev._n 3.7_o and_o there_o be_v the_o key_n of_o subordinate_a power_n which_o be_v delegated_a by_o christ_n unto_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o give_v by_o christ_n unto_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n as_o his_o associate_v church_n on_o earth_n to_o which_o he_o himself_o be_v pastor_n and_o to_o which_o he_o administer_v as_o such_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o twelve_o apostle_n have_v this_o key_n give_v they_o as_o such_o in_o that_o for_o their_o time_n they_o have_v all_o church_n power_n commit_v unto_o to_o they_o do_v exercise_v it_o as_o occasion_v require_v as_o to_o constitution_n of_o officer_n receive_v dismiss_v or_o excommunicate_v member_n but_o there_o be_v none_o in_o succession_n unto_o they_o this_o key_n of_o power_n can_v be_v find_v no_o where_o lodge_v but_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n build_v on_o the_o faith_n which_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n profess_v mat._n 16.19_o phil._n but_o the_o great_a question_n be_v where_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n lie_v in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n whether_o in_o the_o fraternity_n or_o in_o the_o eldership_n christ_n i_o call_v the_o decisive_a church_n power_n the_o key_n and_o say_v it_o lie_v in_o the_o majority_n as_o in_o all_o society_n that_o arise_v by_o mutual_a consent_n or_o agreement_n but_o i_o distinguish_v between_o the_o key_n and_o the_o management_n of_o they_o for_o a_o key_n be_v dead_a and_o open_v no_o door_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o hand_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o so_o that_o in_o a_o organise_v church_n the_o orderly_a manage_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o church_n power_n lie_v in_o the_o elder_n but_o if_o the_o church_n be_v not_o organise_v they_o be_v guide_v by_o a_o common_a rule_n of_o self-preservation_n and_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o procure_v their_o well_o be_v they_o act_n by_o common_a consent_n as_o they_o come_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n till_o they_o be_v due_o organise_v with_o officer_n and_o therefore_o they_o admit_v member_n or_o excommunicate_a if_o necessity_n require_v as_o they_o may_v before_o they_o have_v officer_n but_o have_v choose_v officer_n the_o orderly_a way_n of_o proceed_v be_v by_o the_o authoritative_a power_n of_o the_o officer_n in_o management_n of_o this_o key_n which_o be_v the_o decisive_a power_n hence_o i_o distinguish_v between_o a_o church_n act_v pro_fw-la necessitate_v and_o pro_fw-la regula_fw-la ordinis_fw-la phil._n what_o part_n have_v the_o roll_a elder_n viz._n the_o pastor_n if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o or_o if_o there_o be_v the_o roll_a presbyter_n that_o take_v part_n with_o he_o as_o assistant_n in_o admit_v of_o a_o member_n christ_n the_o elder_a or_o elder_n work_n be_v 1._o to_o speak_v with_o the_o party_n that_o desire_v admission_n propound_v he_o to_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o mature_a deliberation_n cause_v the_o decisive_a vote_n of_o the_o church_n to_o pass_v upon_o he_o whereby_o he_o be_v receive_v or_o reject_v if_o receive_v the_o elder_a declare_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n and_o do_v solemn_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o church_n enter_v into_o a_o mutual_a obligation_n with_o the_o say_a member_n say_v you_o be_v here_o now_o to_o give_v up_o yourself_o and_o child_n if_o he_o have_v any_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o this_o congregation_n promise_v as_o christ_n shall_v help_v you_o to_o walk_v and_o abide_v in_o and_o with_o this_o church_n in_o all_o gospel_n conversation_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n submit_v yourself_o to_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o same_o and_o promise_v to_o bring_v your_o child_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n educate_v they_o in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n likewise_o add_v i_o do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o congregation_n give_v you_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o receive_v you_o in_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n towards_o you_o that_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o your_o edification_n as_o christ_n shall_v enable_v we_o phil._n have_v a_o elder_a no_o more_o part_n in_o the_o decisive_a power_n by_o vote_n than_o a_o ordinary_a brother_n christ_n though_o the_o elder_n judgement_n be_v usual_o hearken_v to_o and_o sway_v many_o time_n much_o with_o the_o congregation_n give_v light_n unto_o they_o from_o the_o word_n yet_o when_o a_o matter_n come_v by_o vote_n to_o be_v determine_v his_o vote_n be_v but_o single_a as_o another_o brother_n and_o therefore_o we_o say_v this_o key_n of_o decisive_a power_n be_v in_o the_o fraternity_n though_o the_o orderly_a management_n thereof_o and_o authoritative_a declaration_n thereof_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n belong_v to_o the_o elder_n phil._n in_o what_o other_o case_n be_v this_o key_n make_v use_v of_o christ_n in_o let_v shut_v out_o and_o turn_v out_o of_o member_n 1._o in_o let_v out_o or_o translate_n member_n from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o when_o upon_o good_a reason_n a_o church_n member_n desire_v to_o change_v his_o or_o her_o communion_n and_o ask_v a_o dismission_n it_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o church_n approve_v his_o reason_n for_o it_o phil._n be_v there_o any_o scripture_n ground_n for_o a_o dismission_n may_v not_o a_o church_n member_n not_o chargeable_a with_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n go_v away_o to_o another_o church_n without_o a_o dismission_n christ_n no_o for_o it_o will_v cause_v confusion_n in_o the_o church_n and_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o confusion_n as_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n beside_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o society_n and_o the_o obligation_n by_o which_o the_o member_n stand_v mutual_o bind_v together_o in_o one_o body_n and_o christ_n have_v provide_v as_o well_o the_o orderly_a departure_n as_o stay_v of_o church_n member_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d use_v rom._n 16.1_o shall_v be_v render_v statuo_fw-la constituo_fw-la in_o coetu_fw-la vobiscum_fw-la i_o dismiss_v to_o you_o for_o though_o our_o translator_n render_v it_o i_o recommend_v yet_o it_o shall_v more_o right_o be_v render_v i_o dismiss_v or_o place_n in_o church_n fellowship_n with_o you_o and_o so_o all_o the_o apostle_n speak_v afterward_o be_v term_n of_o a_o dismission_n these_o paul_n need_v not_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o have_v have_v a_o seal_n of_o his_o apostleship_n among_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v commendatory_a letter_n with_o dismission_n 2_o cor._n 3.2_o phil._n what_o then_o be_v your_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n christ_n a_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n be_v but_o a_o certificate_n under_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o officer_n that_o this_o or_o that_o brother_n or_o sister_n be_v a_o member_n of_o such_o a_o congregation_n walk_v blameless_o and_o as_o become_v the_o gospel_n that_o when_o any_o brother_n or_o sister_n come_v to_o other_o church_n in_o their_o travel_n they_o may_v make_v no_o scruple_n to_o receive_v they_o to_o occasional_a or_o transient_a communion_n but_o transfer_v not_o any_o as_o member_n to_o another_o congregation_n phil._n how_o be_v the_o key_n use_v for_o exclusion_n of_o a_o member_n christ_n a_o church_n member_n be_v exclude_v or_o put_v out_o of_o communion_n by_o himself_o or_o by_o the_o church_n and_o either_o amount_n to_o excommunication_n for_o excommunication_n be_v the_o put_v one_o out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n which_o be_v do_v when_o a_o member_n do_v disorderly_o withdraw_v and_o divide_v himself_o from_o the_o church_n communion_n obstinate_o refuse_v to_o be_v reduce_v to_o his_o place_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o say_a church_n this_o be_v a_o usurpation_n of_o the_o key_n of_o power_n and_o separate_v of_o himself_o and_o i_o call_v it_o indirect_a excommunication_n because_o he_o divide_v himself_o violent_o and_o schismatical_o upon_o which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o reassume_v the_o key_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o communion_n upon_o he_o either_o by_o a_o direct_a excommunication_n which_o be_v the_o regular_a way_n and_o may_v be_v justify_v from_o express_a place_n of_o scripture_n such_o as_o rom._n 16.17_o 18._o or_o else_o if_o this_o way_n of_o discipline_n will_v not_o be_v bear_v judicial_o to_o